Narrow down Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To gradually reduce the number of options or possibilities to make a choice or decision easier.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and commonly used when deciding between choices. Often followed by 'to' or 'from' (e.g., 'narrow down the list to three'). Used for both tangible and abstract options. Not the same as 'reduce' (which doesn't always imply choice).
Example Sentences
We need to narrow down our choices before we decide.
basic
Can you narrow down the list to three candidates?
basic
The police tried to narrow down the suspects.
basic
After hours of searching, we finally narrowed down the problem to a software bug.
natural
Let me know when you narrow down the dates so I can book my tickets.
natural
We started with a hundred ideas but managed to narrow them down to just five.
natural